NMMC Makes Treated Water Mandatory

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has made it mandatory for construction projects, private gardens, stadiums, and educational institutes to use treated water instead of potable water. This move aims to conserve drinking water, despite the ongoing monsoon.

NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde reviewed civic works on Wednesday and stated that the Morbe Dam catchment has received 1,594.20 mm of rainfall so far this monsoon. However, the usable water storage remains at only 40.62 per cent. The Commissioner directed all developers to immediately stop using drinking water for construction and switch to treated water supplied by the civic body.

Dr Shinde emphasized that water conservation remains a priority, and under no circumstances should potable water be used for construction activities. Treated water must be used for construction, gardens, stadiums, and institutes. Officials have been instructed to ensure strict implementation of this directive.

The Town Planning and Engineering Departments, along with ward offices, will closely monitor construction sites to ensure compliance. The Commissioner also directed departments to promote the Centre's 'Catch the Rain' campaign by encouraging housing societies and residential colonies to adopt rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge measures.

During the review meeting, the Commissioner ordered strict action against unauthorised constructions and called for structural audits of all hoardings across the city. Special squads will be formed to remove unauthorised banners, and officials will create awareness about the newly notified Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.

The NMMC's move to conserve drinking water is crucial, given the city's water storage levels. The usable water stock is still not at a comfortable level, despite receiving good rainfall earlier this month. The civic body's efforts to promote rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge measures will also help in conserving water.

The 'Catch the Rain' campaign, launched by the Centre, aims to encourage people to harvest rainwater and recharge groundwater. The campaign's objective is to conserve water and reduce the pressure on groundwater resources. The NMMC's decision to promote this campaign will help in achieving this objective.

In conclusion, the NMMC's decision to make treated water mandatory for construction projects, private gardens, stadiums, and educational institutes is a step in the right direction. The civic body's efforts to conserve drinking water and promote rainwater harvesting will help in ensuring a sustainable water supply for the city's residents.

The move is significant for Navi Mumbai, as it will help in reducing the pressure on the city's water resources. The NMMC's decision will also set an example for other civic bodies to follow, and it will contribute to the country's efforts to conserve water and promote sustainable development.